11 Dec2017
Two Postdoc positions: Electrolyte development for next generation batteries
Information about the departmentStimulated by major needs and challenges in science and a sustainable society, the ambition of the department of Physics is to foster a creative environment for academic research, learning and outreach. We provide a competitive advantage by linking our top-level international and interdisciplinary academic performance in the areas of material science, nanotechnology and energy research with world-leading industrial R&D&I projects. We address a wide array of experimental, computational, methodological and theoretical challenges, from fundamental physics research, through the development of new materials to direct industrial projects generating new inventions. We have a strong learning commitment on all levels from undergraduate to PhD studies where physics meet engineering.
Information about the research project
New energy storage technologies are central for the transition to a truly sustainable society with electric vehicles and renewable energy sources. Several very promising concepts are currently being explored as next generation batteries to be implemented in transport applications or as grid energy storage. A common limiting factor for the realisation of these concepts is the availability of novel suitable electrolytes that combine fast ion-transport of the right species with high electrochemical and thermal stability. Recently Li-S batteries have been suggested as one of the most promising next generation battery concepts. For these the development of electrolytes, commonly complex systems of salts, solvents and additives, is crucial. The electrolyte composition affects bulk solvation and the creation and solubility of polysulfides as well as de-solvation at the electrode/electrolyte interfaces.
The Postdoctoral work will be dedicated to both local structure in the bulk electrolyte and to create passivation of the Li metal anode for Li-S batteries. The approach is to create novel electrolytes and experimentally assess physico-chemical properties together with electrochemical performance of various kinds including sample preparation, actual testing and elaborate analysis. This is funded by an EC H2020 consortium for Li-S batteries R&D (HELIS). In addition, more independent and exploratory work, e.g. concepts for single-ion conductors and novel electrolyte/electrode combinations, funded by the Swedish Energy Agency, will be targeted. By this layout there will be one more independent and exploratory line of work and one of more team and applied character, to stimulate ample networking between students and senior researchers and also interactions academia-institutes-industry.
Major responsibilities
You will be a part of the Division of Condensed Matter Physics at the Department of Physics. The major part of your time will be devoted to your research project, where you will be expected to plan and perform experiments as well as utilize methods for data analysis in a cross-disciplinary environment.
Supervision of BSc, MSc, and PhD students can be a part of the work. The postdocs will also be responsible for some common activities within the research group (today ca. 25 persons).
Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of 2 years.
Qualifications
To qualify as a Postdoc, you must have a PhD degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or equivalent. You should have an interest in materials science and energy technology, and very good communication and collaborative skills. Experience of battery research, data analysis, and/or physico-chemical materials characterization at the molecular level are all considered an advantage. Excellent oral and written reporting in English to the other members of the projects as well as at international conferences and in scientific journals of high repute is expected.
To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must have a doctoral degree in a relevant field; the degree should generally not be older than three years. You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.
Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.
Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20170578 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:
CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number) including:
• 1-3 pages where you introduce yourself and present your qualifications.
Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.
• 2 recommendation letters
Application deadline: 10th January, 2017
For questions, please contact:
Professor Patrik Johansson, Condensed Matter Physics
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
